Host Midwest Expo, Wisconsin's largest foodservice industry event, is scheduled for March 10-12 at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee.

Now celebrating its 70th year, the Expo attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees from Wisconsin and surrounding states, all trying to get a jump on the year ahead by attending the first major regional show of 2003.

With nearly 500 booths, six highly-competitive food and beverage competitions and outstanding industry speakers, the show is invaluable to anyone looking for a large selection of new products, equipment and services, and attracts attendance from all segments of the foodservice and hospitality industry, including:

• restaurant, hotel, bar, resort and casino owners, managers and staff
• representatives from independents and major chains
• chefs
• club managers
• convenience store operators
• healthcare foodservice managers
• catering executives
• deli and bakery operators
• school foodservice managers
• grocery store buyers
• cafeteria operators
• trade press

Special 2003 highlights include:

• The world-famous fishmongers from Pike Place Fish in Seattle! Owner John Yokoyama, Jim Bergquist of BizFutures and several fish throwers will be presenting Monday's free keynote address and a special seminar on Tuesday.
• The nation's largest cheese and butter competition, the 12th Biennial United States Championship Cheese Contest, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.
• Tuesday's Leadership Breakfast featuring a nationally-recognized expert on multicultural business issues: Gerry Fernandez, President and CEO of the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance.
• Wednesday's Wine & Cheese Experience, featuring 3 educational sessions geared toward both business and private enjoyment, followed by a tasting with top industry representatives and special wine and cheese pairings provided in conjunction with the U.S. Championship Cheese Competition.

For more details, or to register to attend, visit the Expo's website at www.wirestaurant.org/hmwe or contact Sara Stinski at 800-589-3211.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

WRA represents a broad range of more than 7,000 foodservice operations and is dedicated to promoting and improving the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit www.wirestaurant.org.

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